Six drowning deaths as huge waves hit Australian coast
Sydney, Australiaaustraliaaccidentweather
Orignal Warning/Explanation from Bureau of Metereology
A deep low pressure system in the Tasman Sea will also generate large and powerful surf and swell across the New South Wales coast and offshore islands, including Norfolk and Lord Howe Island.
“This low pressure system is very powerful, although it’s a long way offshore. This low will not impact our weather directly but will generate some very large, powerful waves for eastern Australia,” Mr. Hines said.
“These waves will build on Thursday and stay high until Saturday. Coastal hazard and hazardous surf warnings are likely to be issued. Given the fine and hot forecast for the east coast during Friday and Saturday, the community needs to be aware of the dangerous coastal conditions.”
On Saturday, when swells were as high as 3.5 metres (11.5 feet) in some places, a fisherman was swept to his death off rocks in southern New South Wales.
SLSA had released data before the weekend showing 630 people had died at beaches without an active lifesaving service over the last 10 years.
Chief executive Adam Weir advised patrolled beaches should be prioritised for safety.
“We know that Aussies and visitors to our country like to go off the beaten track to enjoy camping, fishing and other coastal activities,” Weir said in a statement.
“But these coastal locations can present dangers, some that you can see and some that you can’t, which is why we have some simple advice: Stop, Look, Stay Alive.”
bur-dgi/rsc
© Agence France-Presse
